Plan a Beach Day On Key Biscayne And Virginia Key

In Greater Miami & Miami Beach, it’s no secret that we love our beaches. Whether you want to work on your tan, take a dip in the ocean, run with your dog on the sand or try stand-up paddleboarding, Key Biscayne has just the spot for every type of beachgoer. For a beach day that’s fun, relaxing and decidedly quieter than most, try the sandy shores of Key Biscayne and Virginia Key. These idyllic stretches of sand promise beautiful views, laid-back vibes and a true taste of sunny Miami.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is home to the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County: a historic lighthouse first built in 1825. The park's tranquil natural beach stretches 1.25 miles and is frequently listed as one of the best beaches in the U.S.

Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent for a relaxing day under the sun, while active beachgoers can rent ocean kayaks, canoes or hydro bikes. The park also offers two beach wheelchairs and two swimming wheelchairs at no charge, but they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you decide to take a break from the sand, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park has plenty of activities for you to enjoy. Go fishing along the seawall, visit the lighthouse (tours are offered Thursday through Monday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) or anchor your boat at No Name Harbor. Grab a bite at one of two casual restaurants on-site, the Lighthouse Café or Boater’s Grill. Pack a picnic and host a BBQ at one of the covered pavilions, which are available to rent for a fee.

Crandon Park Beach

Once a coconut plantation, the land for the 800-acre Crandon Park Beach was donated to Miami-Dade County by the heirs of Commodore William John Matheson in 1940. In addition to white sand and calm waters, there are beachfront picnic tables and grills. Near the North Concession area, you'll find stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and kite boards. Rent a cabana on the south side of the park. Beach wheelchairs are available at beach areas. Visit the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center then explore the diverse ecosystems of Bear Cut Preserve, from a mangrove boardwalk and fossilized reef overlook to dunes, mangroves, a coastal hammock and seagrass beds. You can go on a guided or self-guided nature tour. You can also play tennis at the Crandon Park Tennis Center or go for a round of golf at Crandon Park’s championship 18-hole course.

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park

Located just off the Rickenbacker Causeway en route to Key Biscayne, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is located on the 82-acre barrier island of Virginia Key. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. Once the only beach in Miami where Black people were welcome during segregation, it officially opened in 1945 and swiftly became a thriving gathering place for swimming and recreation. You can learn about this era during a free eco-history tour offered at the park on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Once you’ve immersed yourself in the history of Virginia Key Beach Park, roll out a blanket and soak up the sun along the quiet, mile-long stretch of sand or rent a tiny, brightly-painted beachfront cabin with a grill, picnic table and two Adirondack chairs. Virginia Key is also home to a playground, a miniature train, picnic tables and pavilions, a nature boardwalk, coastal hammock trails and a 4.1-mile bike path. Take a free ride on the antique carousel on weekends and holidays from noon to 5 p.m.

Hobie Beach / Windsurfer Beach

One of Miami’s most popular dog-friendly beaches, Hobie Beach/Windsurfer Beach is located on the Rickenbacker Causeway. It’s one of the only beaches in Miami where dogs are welcome to run off-leash in the sand and surf. A popular spot for windsurfing, Hobie Beach is a great place to rent windsurfing equipment, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to explore the shallow, tranquil waters along the shoreline of Biscayne Bay.

Accessibility

Find additional information on accessibility at Miami-Dade County’s Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces department at (305) 755-7800.

Looking for more beaches? Explore more beaches in Miami.